Startup Litl Launches Internet-Enabled Computer

Litl LLC launched today a Linux-based laptop design, named “Webbook”. The device comes with a custom simplified interface, it can run third party web apps, and it can operate both in a laptop mode, or by bending backwards the screen, in the “easel TV-like mode”. The Webbook can also connect through HDMI to an HDTV, and a remote control is sold separately. The Webbook goes in auto-maintainance mode, when in sleep. The Atom 1.6 Ghz/1 GB RAM device sells for $699. More info here and here. Videos of the UI here.

Is this basically a netbook that only runs a browser and hooks into some online service / cloud sort of thing? I think this is doomed to fail

a) It does not offer anything else over a normal netbook using online services (in fact considerably less so)

b) I can’t do anything with it offline

c) People will realize that they do not want all their data in the cloud (Personally i want my data save and sound with me, i think there for thigs like the Tonido Plug or Pogo plug will be quiet successful).

They seem to try and jump the bandwagon of the google cloud OS thingy with some not that impressive looking online apps … i dunno maybe i am missing sth. here

The only “good” thing I find about The Cloud is that as more important it gets, more free wi-fi may be available by cloud companies. In 10 years I hope there won’t be more ISPs with ridiculous plans and shitty assimetric connections. And I really really hope mesh networking is the way to go.

And that’s the important thing here. Before this revolution in technology, everyone used to just buy two normal netbooks for $699, and then make their own mini internet with two machines. Now we can connect to the big boy internet for the same price! Want!

Edit: I just realized it doesn’t even have a touchscreen! But what does it matter, let’s just navigate The Internets Tubes with our wheel!